Actor and singer Kim Jung Hoon is making his return to the small screen after nine years, taking on a new role in the drama 'Scandal of Marriage: Pandora’s Secret'. In a recent exclusive interview, Kim expressed his deep remorse over past controversies, saying,
“I’ve always felt I owe an apology to those who supported me.”
Kim, best known for his role in MBC’s 'Princess Hours' and as a former member of duo UN, is returning to acting with a character grounded in reality.
“It’s been nearly nine years since I acted. Back in the Princess Hours days, I didn’t know much and mostly played chaebol or prince-type roles,” he shared. “This time, I’m playing a more realistic character suited to my age — someone navigating the complexities of married life. The drama centers on couples dealing with serious problems.”
His comeback, however, is more than just a return to acting — it’s a personal turning point.
After a personal scandal involving a former partner, Kim disappeared from the public eye.
“I spent years at home without any activities. My self-esteem hit rock bottom. I can’t go into detail out of respect for the other party, but I’ve done what I promised to do and continue to uphold that.”
He revealed that he had experienced severe depression in high school, which gave him some tools to endure later emotional turmoil.
“Even so, it was an incredibly dark time.”
Kim faced further public scrutiny in December 2023, when he crashed into another car in Gangnam and refused three requests for a breathalyzer test. The incident resulted in criminal charges under Korea’s traffic law for causing injury.
“I was alone, without an agency, and completely lost. I didn’t even know how to make a public statement. I ended up shutting myself away, feeling nothing but despair. It was a stupid, regrettable mistake. I should’ve apologized openly, and I deeply regret not doing so sooner.”
“If something like that happened again, I’d consider myself less than human. I sold my car — I’m not driving anymore.”
Kim acknowledged that resuming public life requires more than just appearing on screen.
“My elderly parents worry constantly, and I was terrified that I might damage their health. My father used to threaten to disown me when I said I wanted to become a singer. These days, he says nothing — and that silence hurts more. My sister told me to quit everything and go farm in the countryside.”
Despite the hardship, Kim says he’s never stopped loving his work.
“Back then, I used to look at the stars and cry. Now I see stars in the eyes of my fans. I’m so grateful to the people who still root for me.”
Scandal of Marriage: Pandora’s Secret is set in an upscale villa and explores entangled relationships, infidelity, surveillance, and revenge. Kim plays Woojin, a psychologist who moves into the complex and becomes entangled in its secrets.
“I originally met the director for an OST, but they liked me for the role. Since I speak Japanese, they offered me the role of a husband in a Korean-Japanese couple. I’ve lost 15kg for the role, wear glasses, and really dove into the character. I realized how much I could relate — everyone around me is married now. This drama made me reflect on relationships in a whole new way.”
Now 40+, Kim says his values have shifted.
“In the past, I chased money and fame. Now, I just want to be truly happy. If I can look at the sea and think, ‘This is a beautiful moment,’ that’s enough for me. That kind of happiness is what I want from life now.”
SHARE
